William Herschel discovered NGC 5079 = H III-118 = h1578 = h3491, along with NGC 5076 and NGC 5077, on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211). His description is given under NGC 5076. JH made the single observation "vF; pL; lE; 40"; the following of 3." and measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (6/11/88): third of three in a group with NGC 5077 3' NNW. Fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb